Reviews
I cannot claim to be a writer without also being a reader. Here is a collection of reader reviews of the books I’ve binged. To stay even more up-to-date with what I’m currently reading, add me on Goodreads.
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“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber • Book Review
“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”
★★★★ (4/5) While Caraval couldn't hold a candle to The Night Circus, this was a fun story with mystery, magic, and a great carnival setting that kept me hooked page after page. I look forward to reading the sequel Legendary as soon as I can get my hands on it!
“Mirage” by Somaiya Daud • Book Review
“The blood never dies.
The blood never forgets.”
★★★★★ (4.7 / 5) This was such a great work of fiction. I am extremely attached to our two leading ladies, and I can’t wait for the sequel(s).
I read the whole book in one sitting, and honestly, my biggest complaint is that I wish it were longer. There’s just so much story, action, and growth just waiting to happen, and I wish I could gulp it all in at once.
“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng • Book Review
“Most of the time, everyone deserves more than one chance. We all do things we regret now and then. You just have to carry them with you.”
★★★ (3.5 / 5 stars) What is everyone raving about? Why is this book on every book club, TBR, reading rec list known to man?
Is it because it deals with hot-button topics, like abortion, appropriation of Asian-American identities, and the forced suburban line between haves and have-nots? Is it because we dissect an entire family, peeling back layers of unseemly secrets and tangled emotions behind the shell of the image the mother wants everyone to see?
You may think this is the start of a rave and that these qualities make the novel a wonder to behold—a complex beauty deserving of such widespread attention. You might think this...but you would be wrong.
“Driven” by Manny Khoshbin • Book Review
“I never forget where I came from. Living in a car and digging through garbage bins makes you try hard and develop the right attitude, which is, ‘Despite the inevitable setbacks, I will never, ever give up. I don’t ever want to go back to that!’”
★★★★ (4 / 5 stars) Manny's new book Driven captivated my heart and tells a rags-to-riches story every entrepreneur and ambitious individual can relate to. His success truly is massive, but his authenticity is even more so.
“Unfiltered” by Jessica Abo • Book Review
“If you can’t imagine your life without something, never stop working for it. No matter where you are in the process, keep your head up.”
★★★★★ (5 / 5 stars) This book isn't just raw, open, and inviting. It is also complete TRUTH. I love how Abo gave real-world examples every step of the way. Some of the worst horror stories of horrible bosses and even worse dates made me feel the most connected to the overall message.
Thank you to Jessica for writing this book, for sharing your story, and for encouraging young women like me to really make their lives their own!!
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black • Book Review
“Every day that I don't beg Cardan for forgiveness over a feud he started is a day I win.”
★★★ (3.7 / 5) The opening scene and overall premise of The Cruel Prince is grim yet mystifying. Our narrator Jude can be irritating and a bit unrelatable at times, but her ambition is captivating.
There is magic and mystery, tension and resolve, puzzle pieces and plot twists. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to see how the story continues.
“The Upside of Unrequited” by Becky Albertalli • Book Review
“I have to admit: there's something really badass about truly, honestly not caring what people think about you.”
★★★ (3.3 / 5) Don't be fooled. This is not your average teen romance. In fact, I'd say the romance takes a backseat in a coming-of-age story more about Molly's maturing relationship with her sister—and with herself.
While a few elements lacked the depth I was hoping for, Molly's spunk kept me entertained page after page, and the story opened a window into a beautiful family that is worth looking at. I would recommend this for a light, summer read.
“Flawed” by Cecelia Ahern • Book Review
“To be courageous is to feel fear within, every step of the way...It takes courage to overcome, but it takes extreme fear to be courageous.”
★★★ (2.8 / 5 stars) Maybe because dystopian novels are my favorite, I'm more critical of them. I am hoping the sequel, Perfect, redeems this duology, but to put it bluntly, Flawed left me bored and disappointed.
Celestine North, our main character and narrator, was hard for me to connect with from the start, and while she suffered traumatically, she did very little for me to like her.